How to Apply

Domestic Students

Complete the online application, which includes a 700 word personal statement. Please be as clear, direct, and specific as you can about i) your desired research area and/or project, ii) your preparation for undertaking this research, and iii) the fit of your projected research to our program and faculty.

Letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your ability to do scholarly work. Select a minimum of three persons who are familiar with your academic abilities and potential and ask each to complete one of the recommendation forms. (We suggest that you follow up with your letter writers in a timely fashion after you ask them to write. Admission decisions are often delayed solely due to missing reference letters.)

A list stating your teaching, research, and/or other experiences; a publications list, if relevant; and any college or professional honors and awards. You may attach a resume if you like. Be sure to include your name on any attachments.

For Ph.D. applicants only, a writing sample of 15-25 pages, which shows your ability to conduct research in your chosen area.

One copy of the official transcript(s) of all previous college and university work, documenting each course taken and all degrees awarded. Applicants must submit an official transcript from each college and university attended. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts should be mailed directly by a registrar to the program to which the application is being sent or given to the applicant by the registrar in a sealed and signed envelope and then submitted to the graduate program by the applicant along with the other application materials.

Graduation from a recognized four-year college, university, or institute of technology.

Minimum GPA of 3.0

The general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). There is no GRE subject section for religious studies.

For most programs, the application fee is $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. You will pay this fee at the time you submit your online application.

Applicants should send hard copies of transcripts to the address below. If a recommender prefers to send a hard copy recommendation, please instruct the recommender to send the physical copy to the Department of Religious Studies by December 15.

Complete the online application by December 15. If you cannot access the online application, send hard copies of your materials to:

We will process your application only after the online application has been submitted and supporting materials are received.

Social Security Numbers

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and Indiana Code 4-1-8, applicants for admission and enrolled students are advised that the requested disclosure of their Social Security numbers is voluntary. Students who do not provide the University with their Social Security number will be assigned a special nine-digit number. This number or the Social Security number will be used: a) to identify such student records as applications for admission, registration and course enrollment documents, grade reports, transcript requests, certification requests, and permanent academic records; and b) to determine eligibility, certify school attendance, and report student status. A student who wishes to apply for federal or state grants, loans, or other financial aid programs is required to supply a Social Security number. No student's Social Security number will be disclosed to individuals or agencies outside Indiana University except in accordance with the Indiana University Policy on Student Records.

International Students

For international applicants whose native language is English, the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. There is no GRE subject section for religious studies.

For international applicants who are non-native English speakers, the Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report is required. A minimum score of 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer test or at least 79 on the new internet-based TOEFL (IBT) must be obtained. Non-native English speakers are not required to take the GRE.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your ability to do scholarly work. If you are transferring from another US institution, two letters must come from the current US institution. One of these letters must come from your research advisor.

For Ph. D applicants only, a writing sample of 15-25 pages, which shows your ability to conduct research in your chosen area.

Official and complete academic records from each institution attended. You must send one set of your documents in the original language and one set of the documents translated into English. See the International Graduate Application for Admission for more information on the documents required.

Application fee of US $65. You will pay this fee at the time you submit your online application. No fee waivers are granted.

Evidence of financial support, such as a letter from your bank, if you indicate that you can attend without financial support or with only partial support.

Make a photocopy of the academic records, Statement of Purpose, and any other forms you send in. Staple or clip this set of materials together and submit them along with the originals.

Applicants must send official and complete academic records from each institution attended. These academic records must be sent to International Admissions, not to the Religious Studies Department. You must send one set of your documents in the original language and one set of the documents translated into English. See the International Graduate Application for Admission for more information on the documents required.

Complete the online application, then send all supporting materials by December 1 to:

We will process your application only after the online application has been submitted and supporting materials are received.

English Proficiency

As above, all non-native English speakers who wish to be considered for financial aid of any type must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency by earning a score of at least 600 (paper test), 250 (computer test), or 79 (internet test) on the TOEFL.

To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, it is imperative that international students whose native language is not English demonstrate competency in written and spoken English. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) examination as well as the TOEFL.

Office of International Admissions

The Office of International Admissions also provides information on the application process for international graduate students. This advice will assist you greatly in the application process.

Decisions on Admission

Applicants will be notified of the decision of the Admissions Committee as soon as possible. In a typical year, final notifications are sent out by early March at the latest.

You may check the status of your application at any time by sending e-mail to the Religious Studies Graduate Office at deptsec@indiana.edu.

Ethnic Information Policy

Ethnic information is gathered in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and is requested in reports required by the US Department of Education. However, you are not required to answer questions about ethnic origin, and refusal to answer will not affect admission.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy

Indiana University pledges itself to continue its commitment to the achievement of equal opportunity within the university and throughout American society as a whole. In this regard, Indiana University will recruit, hire, promote, educate, and provide services to persons based upon their individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on arbitrary consideration of such characteristics as age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Indiana University shall take affirmative action, positive and extraordinary, to overcome the discriminatory effects of traditional policies and procedures with regard to the disabled, minorities, women, and Vietnam-era veterans. An Affirmative Action office on each campus monitors the university's policies and assists individuals who have questions or problems related to discrimination. For information on services for disabled persons, contact the Disability Services for Students at the Herman B. Wells Library W302, or Veterans Support Services, in the Indiana Memorial Union M084.